Under what circumstances should pressure reducing valves be removed?

Pressure reducing valves are used to control and moderate the water pressure delivered through a system to prevent damage and ensure safe operation. In certain scenarios, especially when connecting to a standpipe, it is necessary to remove these valves to allow for adequate pressure and flow directly from the source. Standpipes are designed to provide a reliable water supply for firefighting operations, and connecting directly without the restriction of a pressure reducing valve enhances the water flow available to firefighters.

When using a standpipe system, the pressure needed can far exceed the regulated pressure that the valve would provide, which could limit the effectiveness of the firefighting efforts. Removing the valve ensures that firefighters have access to the maximum available pressure for combating a fire, which is crucial in emergency situations.

The other situations presented do not require the removal of pressure reducing valves in the same way. For instance, a low-pressure scenario might suggest a need for bolstering the water supply rather than removing a pressure reducing valve. Similarly, weather-related factors like rain have no direct impact on the necessity of the valve in firefighting operations. Lastly, when using fire hydrants, the flow and pressure characteristics are typically designed to be sufficient for fire suppression, often making the presence of pressure reducing valves unnecessary. Thus, connecting to